Windhoek: Magdalena Shaalukeni, a final-year student at the University of Namibia (UNAM), has turned her painful past into a message of hope with the launch of her book, "Becoming A Better You (B.A.B.Y.)." The 21-year-old, who is pursuing an honours degree in sociology and psychology, wrote the book to help other victims and survivors find their voice and speak up against abuse.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Shaalukeni revealed in an interview that she suffered sexual abuse at the hands of her uncle at a young age. Rather than allowing the trauma to define her, she spent eight years quietly working on her manuscript, losing some handwritten scripts along the way, but never revealing her project until it was complete. Recently launched in her hometown of Okahandja, the book aims to support people in understanding the importance of mental health and seeking help.

Shaalukeni, a mental health advocate, battled mental health conditions such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the abuse. She emphasizes that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and hopes to convey that it is okay to not be okay, but also to seek professional help. Her book offers practical tools for dealing with anxiety and is a response to the growing mental health crisis in Namibia, where more than 540 suicides were recorded during the 2024/2025 financial year.

Mental health experts link many suicides to untreated mental health conditions. Psychiatrist Dr. Lahija Hamunjela highlighted that traumatic childhood experiences can result in lasting psychological scars if not addressed. Writing about such experiences, as Shaalukeni did, can help survivors process their pain and encourage others to seek help.

Shaalukeni's mother, Rauna, a life skills teacher, expressed immense pride in her daughter's achievements. She praised the book as a symbol of resilience and a tool for inspiring hope. She urged parents to listen to and support their children who disclose abuse, noting that many children face disbelief when they share their experiences.

Family friend and teacher Victor Nakapandi described Shaalukeni's courage as extraordinary and urged for support to help her spread her message across Namibia. He believes "B.A.B.Y." will educate many and called for funding to allow Shaalukeni to speak to learners and parents throughout the country.

Shaalukeni's journey from survivor to author is a call for greater awareness, compassion, and action in addressing child abuse and mental health in Namibia. Through her contribution, she hopes to encourage survivors to break their silence, seek support, and understand that their past does not determine their future.